A Husband, A Father, A Boss And Much More Than This...He Did It His Way

Tonight was the unveiling of George Michael Steinbrenner III's monument inside Monument Park and to say that his tribute was anything less than emotional would be an understatement. As Hank, Hal, Jennifer, and Jessica, along with his widow Joan, and their children watched Yankee Stadium commemorate their father, husband, and grandfather, with tear-filled eyes, we the fans cried as well and then geared up for a great match with the Tampa Bay Rays. Let's begin.

As the ceremony took place and everyone made their way to Monument Park, there was a resounding calm that came over the stadium as Joe Torre and Don Mattingly were walking along the field...a resounding calm coupled with a massive standing ovation.  As I stood up, drenched with tears, and clapped, I couldn't help but feel as if George himself was responsible for bringing the calm...as if to tell us that he appreciates everything and he couldn't be in better spirits.  Finally, we came to the heart of the night and Joan Elizabeth Steinbrenner unveiled the monument. It was beautiful. It was breathtaking. It was magical. To end the commemoration, Frank Sinatra's "My Way" played and boy oh boy what a better way to sum up the night. The game could begin.

Since a play by play would ruin the evening and the post, I'll highlight key players in the victory over the Rays. Derek Jeter had a monster night with 2 hits bringing his total to 2,910...90 away from 3,000 and Curtis Granderson hit 2 homeruns and collected 5 RBIs. Ivan Nova was on the mound and did ok and with help from the bullpen, the Yankees won 8-6. A great night to honor the boss.

To end, it's only fitting to leave you with Frank Sinatra's "My Way". And much more than this...George Steinbrenner did it his way.



XOXO,
Whitney

RIP George Steinbrenner...I Didn't Think I'd Be Saying This So Soon

Nearly a week after celebrating his 80th birthday and having countless family, friends, and fans honor him, the beloved George Michael Steinbrenner III has passed away this morning in Florida of a heart attack. If you're like me right now, your heart is torn into pieces. I never knew the man personally but as an avid fan of the Yankee franchise and his team since 1995, I always felt a special connection to him....a connection that I even stressed down to our birthdays...he was born on July 4th and I was born on August 4th. So, when news broke of his tragic passing how did I react? I sat with my mouth wide open and couldn't make a sound. If this is bad for me, imagine how baseball must feel.

Tonight is the 81st All-Star Game and with Yankee players scheduled to play, it's no wonder that their hearts are broken into pieces as well. While the 25 man roster along with coaches may be blinded with tears, the Core 4, Andy, Derek, Mariano, and Posada must be crippled. This is the man who took a chance on four unknown young men, fostered their talents, and turned them into superstars. And, these four men have never bit the hand that fed them. They've always been loyal to the boss.

I want to take time out to give my greatest condolences to the Steinbrenner family. To his wife Elizabeth Zieg, you knew your husband like no other and thank you for allowing the world to love your husband as you have for all these years. To his children Hank, Hal, Jessica, and Jennifer, thank you for sharing your father with the world and for never scorning him for putting the business before you guys at times.

In closing, it's only fitting to say RIP George Steinbrenner.

Forever a fan,
Whitney

Happy Birthday George Steinbrenner...The Boss!

On July 4, 1930, Henry Steinbrenner II and Rita Haley welcomed into the world a baby boy named George Steinbrenner. A man of the Air Force and football coach, Steinbrenner would rise to prominence in 1973 when he would become the principal owner of the New York Yankees purchasing the team for a mere $10 million. This value has been reviewed and the actual amount would be $8.8 million. Nonetheless, this wouldn't detract from the powerful force and presence Mr. Steinbrenner would be for the Yankees.

The first policy implemented upon his arrival would be the now famous "no-facial-hair-below-the-chin" policy. It was this exact and precise move that would prove to be an indication that Mr. Steinbrenner was about his business. While Mr. Steinbrenner solidified his being with this policy, he also made headlines with his tumultuous relationship with Yankee manager Billy Martin. Steinbrenner fired Martin 5 times and rehired Martin 5 times. Although Billy Martin has long since passed, I am sure that Mr. Steinbrenner continues to hold a spot in his heart for Billy since day one.

Being the business man he is, it is no surprise that George has invested in many lucrative projects. From race horses to Tropicana Field in Florida as well as foundations and scholarships, Mr. Steinbrenner's heart and love for success is what has been just a few reasons why he's been generously blessed. Likewise, it has been George's ability to poke fun at himself in the media that has also led to his longevity. Appearing on SNL, in Miller Light commercials, Visa commercials mocking his rant against Derek Jeter's excessive partying, and allowing The Simpsons to parody his mannerisms are a few examples of how Mr. Steinbrenner is truly one of a kind.

So, what is there to say about the man whose leadership has earned the Yankees 11 pennants and 7 World Series titles? The answer is something as simple as "Thank You". Thanks for being as bold and brass as you are because without it, where would the Yankees be? Thank you for making the tough decisions that others didn't want to make for fear of being hated. Thank you for dedicating your life and often times your family and health for the sake of your team and its fans.

And finally I close this piece by saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE MICHAEL STEINBRENNER III

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!